Japan’s $48m grant to resolve Juba water crisis

October 20, 2013 (JUBA) – Water shortage in the South Sudan capital, Juba will soon be a thing of the past should Japanese aid arm (JICA) fully implements its $47.7m project.

The project, to be implemented by JICA in collaboration with the government, seeks to benefit at least 389,000 households. This is considered a huge boost given that an estimated only 34,000 families currently access water in Juba.

JICA officials say the 18,000 cubic meters of safe water will reach most of Juba’s rapidly growing population compared to the current 7,200 cubic meters.

Also earmarked as part of the project is the proposed construction of eight filling stations, water intake and purification facilities, distributing reservoirs and transmission pipelines.

“The impact of the project will change lives of people. We anticipate to have good revenue”, said Eng. Chamjok Chung, the managing director of the country’s urban water cooperation.

He also anticipates that their annual revenue, on completion of the project, could rise to over SSP one million by April 2015.

John Geri, a resident of Gudele in the outskirts of Juba expressed optimism that the water system will improve hygiene and sanitation problems in the capital.

“We have very poor hygiene here as you can see. Unless work is done, we risk dying of cholera and other water-borne diseases,” he told Sudan Tribune.

But David Majok, who lives in Munuki area remains doubtful about the successful implementation of the project meant for the general population. He instead says the grant should be managed by JICA, not government officials.

“What is $47m when about $4bn from the state treasury remains unaccounted for? That money for water projects will end up in the pocket of some people in government,” he alleged.

Less than 20% of the South Sudanese population, according to JICA’s Atshutshi Hanatani, has access to safe water while the limited capacity of water infrastructure forces many to buy unsafe water for use.

“The project will be a joint one between South Sudan government and JICA”, Atshushi said.

This water improvement project emerged out of a 2008 and 2009 master plan survey of the water supply facilities in Juba. The survey was conducted by JICA in response to a request from government.

(ST)